Nevada Warrant Search

Law enforcement agencies enter warrant details into their database after warrant issuance by a Nevada judge. This enables them to provide warrant information available to the public during a warrant search after executing and returning the warrant to the court. A warrant search is vital as it helps promote public safety. Different people conduct warrant searches for different purposes. For example:

• Employers conduct warrant searches during background checks to verify job applicant information. This helps to reduce potential liabilities and provide clarity to hiring decisions.
• Landlords conduct warrant searches on potential tenants to increase the safety of existing tenants and shield themselves from liability.
• Law enforcement officers can conduct a warrant search to be able to provide evidence during an ongoing investigation.
• Lawyers help their clients conduct warrant searches to know if a warrant has been issued on their behalf. They assist their clients in arranging walk-throughs or self-surrenders and negotiate a lower bail amount.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a court order that directs a peace officer to search a property or arrest the warranted subject and put them in custody or bring them before the judge. The most common types of warrants in Nevada are:

• No-knock warrant (NRS §171.101): This authorizes a police officer to enter premises to make an arrest without first ringing the doorbell, knocking on the door, identifying their presence, or stating the intended purpose of entering the premises.
• Search warrant: This is a legal document commanding a law enforcement officer to search a premises and seize things.
• Arrest warrant: This type of warrant is issued by a judge at the request of a state attorney when probable causes have been established that a person committed a crime.
• Bench warrant: This type of warrant is issued by a judge when a defendant fails to appear for a hearing, comply with sentencing requirements, or pay court-ordered fines.
• Administrative inspection warrant (NRS §453.266): This type of warrant authorizes a peace officer to enter controlled premises, conveyance, area, or building for the purpose of conducting an administrative inspection.

Are Warrants Public Records in Nevada?

Yes. The Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA) allows dissemination of warrant information to members of the public. Therefore, anyone can contact a law enforcement agency during normal business hours to inspect or request copies of warrants. However, information filed with the court for the purpose of securing a warrant is not public until the warrant is executed and returned.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Nevada?

There are several third-party platforms that provide access to warrant information. These platforms allow individuals to conduct a search by last and first name. Although additional information can be provided to narrow the search. Most third-party sites provide basic warrant information to requesters for free, but a full warrant report attracts charges. A 7-Day Unlimited Search Access costs between $2.95 and $4.95, while monthly subscription costs between $19.95 and $24.95. Always use the information obtained from these sites for informational purposes only because they are unreliable.

What is a Search Warrant in Nevada?

Per NRS §179.035, a Nevada judge issues a search warrant to law enforcement officers to search for and seize any property:

• Stolen or embezzled in violation of state laws
• Designed or intended for use or which is or has been used as the means of committing a criminal offense
• When the property or things to be seized consist of any item or constitute any evidence which tends to show that a criminal offense has been committed or tends to show that a particular person has committed a criminal offense.

A search warrant is usually directed to a peace officer in the county where the warrant is to be executed (NRS §179.045). It must state the probable cause for its issuance and the names of the persons whose affidavits have been taken to support the application. Search warrants must be executed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless the magistrate states otherwise. They must designate the magistrate to whom it will be returned and indicate whether the search warrant is a no-knock warrant.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Nevada

  Yes, search warrants are public in Nevada. However, unexecuted search warrants are deemed confidential. Requesters can only retrieve a search warrant that has been executed and returned to the issuing magistrate.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Nevada

  There is no specific time for getting a search warrant in Nevada. It can take a couple of hours or days for a judge to issue a warrant to a law enforcement officer. The time required to get a search warrant depends on how fast an application can be made, how quickly a supporting affidavit or testimony is gotten, and how quickly a probable cause can be determined.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

  Per NRS §179.075, a search warrant issued by a Nevada judge lasts for only 10 days after the issuance date. If the search warrant was issued for collecting a biological specimen from a person, the warrant will be valid for 6 months after the issuance date (NRS 179.077)

What is a Bench Warrant in Nevada?

A judge issues a bench warrant for a defendant’s arrest when they fail to appear for a scheduled court hearing or are non-compliant with court-ordered conditions. Per NRS § 179.395, a bench warrant contains the name of the county, issuance date, charges, a command to arrest, and the magistrate’s signature.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Nevada?

Per NRS §171.106, an arrest warrant is issued if an affidavit filed with a warrant shows that there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the defendant has committed it. An arrest warrant must be in writing in the name of the State of Nevada (NRS 171.108). It must contain:

• The magistrate’s signature and name of office
• The defendant’s name or any name or description by which the defendant can be identified if the defendant’s name is unknown.
• Issuance date and the town, city, or county the warrant was issued
• The offense committed
• A command that the defendant be arrested and brought before a magistrate
• A statement that the warrant is a no-knock warrant or not

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Nevada

Individuals can check if they have a warrant in person or by phone at their local law enforcement agencies. For example, case parties can check the status of their cases filed with the North Las Vegas Municipal Court to see if they have active warrants in person or by phone at (702) 633-1130. In-person requesters must visit the agency during business hours with a valid state or government-issued picture identification like a driver’s license, work card, or military ID.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Nevada?

Yes, Nevada residents can check if a warrant is issued in their names online. Most law enforcement agencies have search portals or downloadable warrant lists on their websites that are available to the public. A typical example is the Nevada State Police Parole and Probation, which provides access to Wanted Fugitives on its website. Also, the Elko County Sheriff's Office has a Most Wanted list,

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Nevada law enforcement agencies provide warrant information through different methods for free to members of the public. Below are some ways a person can find out if they have a warrant in the state:

• Visit the law enforcement agency in person during business hours with a valid ID like a driver’s license
• Review the warrant section of some law enforcement agencies for online portals or warrant lists
• Call municipal courts to inquire about active warrants

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Nevada

Some Nevada law enforcement agencies process access to warrant information online without charges. Therefore, individuals can visit their websites and access the necessary information in the warrant section. For example, anyone who wants to find out if someone in the City of Henderson has a warrant can review the Warrant List provided by the Municipal Court.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Nevada?

Most warrants issued in Nevada remain active indefinitely until the subject of the warrant dies or appears in court. This excludes search and administrative inspection warrants that remain valid for only 10 days from the date of issuance.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

The U.S. Marshals Service provides access to federal warrants through its Warrant Information System (WIN). However, this service is not open to the public. Members of the public can review the Fugitive Page provided by the U.S. Marshals Service to check if a federal warrant has been issued in their name. Also, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a Most Wanted Page that can be used for similar purposes.